Sports medicine specialists lead care teams that can include other medical and surgical specialists, as well as primary care physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, nutritionists, coaches and others. Sports medicine specialists focus on the general nonsurgical care needs of active people – from athletes of all levels to non athletes who want to stay or become active – and encourage wellness and fitness throughout an individual’s lifespan.

While they do not perform surgeries, they evaluate, diagnose and treat health concerns, and determine the right therapies, including the need to see a surgical specialist. They are physicians specifically trained to help people: